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Hair loss, chronic fatigue and spironolactone are killing me

by Jess
(Michigan, USA)

I started noticing that my hair was thinning over a year ago. I had also been experiencing intense heart palpitations,chronic fatigue, heavy clotting periods, night sweats, insomnia, acne, oily scalp, folliculitis, numb extremities, dizziness, and brain fog. The hair loss finally sent me to the doctor. The dermatologist ran tests. Androgens were normal, ferritin was 9; he put me on iron supplements and 200 mg. of spironolactone daily. I wish I hadn't started it. I ended up flat on the couch all summer, depressed and exhausted; having 2 long light periods a month. I ended up stopping the spiro. two months later. Not much happened at first, then a month after stopping, my kinesiologist ran tests and found that I had almost no progesterone, low estrogen, low DHEA, low testosterone, low Zinc, vitamin D, etc. He started me on a thyroid supplement. My hair loss exploded, over 200 hairs lost just in the shower. I quit the thyroid supplement and the loss calmed down. Then he gave me DHEA. The same hair loss scenario began all over again. I quit the DHEA and it slowed. Then I went to another doctor who gave me a shot of estrogen. The same hair loss nighmare began again with a vengeance. I panicked when I looked at the top of my head in the mirror and went back on spiro. The hair loss slowed, but never stopped. Little hairs began to grow again. After being back on spiro. for about three months, the hair loss began to increase. I tried homeopathy. My hair began to fall out in handfulls. I quit the homeopathy and the spiro. Everything got worse...Went back on the spiro. and it slowed. My hair loss stopped briefly in early June, thought it was over. Went through a stressful epidsode and it started again. I've been on spiro. for about four months and my hair loss is increasing. I also have a burning scalp that drives me insane.
I've tested negative for PCOS and for thyroid issues. I've always been thin and have had multiple miscarriages, although I have three healthy children also. I'm 43 years old but feel like I'm 80.
I go through sleepless nights and I'm exhausted and depressed all day. I've tried everything, including natural progesterone cream. I didn't last long on it, as I started getting acne and oily scalp back.
My doctor thinks that progesterone will be converted into androgens in my body and she gave me some natural estrogen. I'm afraid to take it. Three doctors have perscribed birth control pills, I haven't filled the scripts. Several have perscribed anti-depressants - still considering that. I recently came up with a positive rheumatoid factor test and elevated ANAs. I am vitamin A deficient. I take B complex vitamins, biotin, B12, C, selenium, zinc, E, turmeric, ginger, green tea, etc. I have been gluten free, sugar free, caffeine free since last year. NOTHING has helped. I had a scalp biopsy done. It was inconclusive, although they are leaning toward androgenic alopecia. I have no genetic family history of that, but I have miniturized hairs and am losing my frontal hair line.
I used to have waist length, wavy, blond hair. I now have frizzy, thin garbage on my head. I bought a wig, but I hate it.
I feel awful all the time and would rather not live than continue like this. If anyone has any suggestions, please send them my way. I want to be off the spiro., but I don't want to go bald. Every time I've tried quitting, I've lost a ton of hair, and no new hair grows.
I've been to every doctor imagineable, including naturopaths. All are stumped and I'm sure would like to get rid of me - I remind them of their inadequacies.
I went through 5 intensely stressful years prior to all this happening. Is there any hope for me? I'll order the cream and maybe I'll try it - maybe not.

Comments for Hair loss, chronic fatigue and spironolactone are killing me

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Sep 17, 2013
 Hope regarding hair loss
by: Kaylana

Hi Jess,
I'm so sorry about what you've gone through! I can relate to several aspects - including the hair loss and miscarriages.

I hope to post my updated story soon, but I wanted to write a note of encouragement to you first. I was so sick that the doctors (mis)diagnosed me with a rare blood and skin cancer. It was a devastating period of my life! My hands were so swollen and cracked and I was loosing so much hair that it took at least 20 minutes to brush my hair each morning. My husband had to apply the various (toxic) meds each day. Forget normal household chores - I was a wreck!

Anyway, I started using progesterone cream a year and a half ago. I also made radical changes to my diet - much of which it sounds like you have done. (Instead of going 'gluten-free' I might suggest going low carb and completely grain free since it is not just the gluten but rather the proteins that are toxic.)

I am happy to report that I have now had a successful birth after 4 years of miscarriages. My hair is so thick now that I can barely get a brush through it! If one feels it, there is a definite point where the ends are thin and where the newer, thicker hair starts.

Another interesting aspect is that the new hair is soft, lush and curly - just like the hair of my youth! I love it!

But it takes time. Don't forget that. It didn't happen overnight.

Here are some sites I suggest checking out regarding diet: Maria Mind Body Health (Maria Emmerich), Mark's Daily Apple, and Wheat Belly Blog (Dr. William Davis). All three of these authors have influenced how I eat and think about nutrition and exercise. Hopefully you can find some inspiration there too.

Cheers!
Sep 17, 2013
 hope
by: Anonymous

Thank you so much, Kaylana, for sharing that with me. It's very rare that anyone addresses what's going on with me because they just don't know...I've heard of grain free diets. I really need to do some research and find some recipes. I'm always searching for something that I can eat on the gluten free diet, and it's sooo expensive. I have several nutritional deficiencies also. Did you have trouble keeping up all the nutrients on a grain free diet?
The best part of hearing from you was hope. I've heard so many hopeless stories. I need to believe that I can get better. Once again, thank you for taking the time to respond to my post.
j
Sep 18, 2013
 Hair loss, chronic fatigue and spironolactone are killing me
by: Wray

Hi Jess I do agree with Kaylana about the progesterone, who has been writing in to the site for over a year now. Always with good comments too. I would agree about the low glycaemic diet too, you might like to look at trying the Ketogenic Diet. Those books are good, 'Wheat Belly' in particular, Dr Davis is a cardiologist. One reviewer had this to say "When it comes to certain brain disorders, sometimes the effects of wheat gluten are permanent. Cerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, "gluten encephalopathy" and even seizures can be the work of gluten. There is a sobering section on cancer and mortality caused by wheat; the connection between mental health and cancer has a history of research. "For wheat," says Davis, "nothing is sacred."" But it's not just the gluten, the starch plays a role too. It increases blood glucose and insulin, there's nothing more damaging to our cells than these two. Try to get hold of "Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It" by Gary Taubes, see here. Ignore the title, it's an excellent book which explains the role carbohydrates and insulin play in our body. And how damaging both are when in excess. We do have a page on Hot Flushes and night sweats, 400mg/day progesterone is needed to stop these. Oestrogen causes the lining of the uterus to thicken once a month, excess oestrogen and low progesterone can cause heavy and/or continual bleeding. I've found 400mg/day is needed to stop the flow, plus the nutrients NAC, taurine, vitamin D and the bioflavonoids. There's info on our Menstruation page. Acne, oily scalp, hair loss etc is initiated by testosterone, see here. If bound to SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) testosterone becomes inactive, progesterone raises levels of SHBG, see here, so preventing the rise of free testosterone and severe PMS. Although your dermatologist checked for androgens, they often only test for the total. It's the free testosterone which does the damage, do you know your ratio of free to total? The chronic fatigue could be caused by high oestrogen, low vitamin D, low progesterone or Insulin Resistance. Continued below
Sep 18, 2013
 Hair loss, chronic fatigue and spironolactone are killing me Part 2
by: Wray

Hi Jess Oestrogen causes prolongation of the QT interval, which results in palpitations, arrhythmia, Torsades de Pointes and sudden death. Whereas progesterone shortens the QT interval, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. These symptoms occur far more frequently in women who naturally have a long QT interval, rather than men who naturally have a short QT interval. DHEA is converted into androgens, it doesn't surprise me your hair loss worsened. Low zinc doesn't surprise me either, oestrogen suppresses it, and raises copper. Copper in turn suppresses zinc, but excess copper can cause depression, anger, and psychosis. The burning scalp could be due to low vitamin B2, it's worth trying in case. I would guess all your B vitamins are very low, Stress causes them to drop. As it does progesterone and vitamin D. Ironically spiro has androgenic properties and more, see here, here, here and here. Continued below
Sep 18, 2013
 Hair loss, chronic fatigue and spironolactone are killing me
by: Wray

Hi Jess The insomnia could be due to low vitamin D, see here and here. Although low progesterone could also account for it, see here. At 43 you could be in the beginning stages of Peri-menopause, I found this a most awful time, luckily I found progesterone before I did myself in! From all your symptoms I would say you have very high oestrogen in ratio to progesterone, low vitamin D, probably low magnesium, a high free testosterone, and low zinc which they did find. If you want to try progesterone again, please use nothing less than 400mg/day, you will get Oestrogen Dominance if you opt for less. These comments here, here, here and here might encourage you. And this one here in particular. If low amounts of progesterone are used yes it will be converted into the androgens, and then they are converted into oestrogen. But high amounts of progesterone suppress both hormones by increasing SHBG. A further note on this, SHBG drops if sugars are eaten, even those found in all grains, legumes, processed milk and sweet starchy fruits and vegetables. Fructose, sucrose and glucose, reduce SHBG by 80, 50 and 40% respectively, see here. Thereby allowing testosterone to rise. It's best to avoid all the foods and sugars mentioned. Wine and beers contain carbs, so it's best to avoid those too. Continued below
Sep 18, 2013
 Hair loss, chronic fatigue and spironolactone are killing me Part 4
by: Wray

Hi Jess Plus alcohol affects hormone levels in women, see here and here. It decreases progesterone levels and increases androgen levels, both the total testosterone and free testosterone become higher. Sugars and large meals also drop progesterone levels, see here. Plus insulin drops levels too, see here. This means SHBG also drops, testosterone rises, severe PMS can occur, another vicious cycle. Please above all else have a vitamin D test done. For more info on vitamin D levels, test kits etc see the following websites, ZRT Lab, GrassrootsHealth and Birmingham Hospital. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml or 175-250nmol/L, and not the 30ng/ml or 75nmol/L most labs and doctors regard as adequate. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although the latest research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. Take care Wray
Sep 19, 2013
 Thank you, thank you Wray!
by: Anonymous

Hi Wray,

Wow, thank you for caring enough to respond in such a complete way. I'm going to print it and study it. I read it through once and everything you said makes sense!
My latest labs showed: Free testosterone 1.1 (range .1-6.4) - Testosterone Total - 14 (range 2-45)
Copper - 96 (range 70-175)
Zinc - 83 (range 60-130)
Vitamin D - 43 (range 30-100)
Vitamin A - 36 (range 38-98)

I've noticed several things lately:
1. My scalp burning starts after I take my 100 mg. of spironolactone. The burning eases until I take the next dose.
(problem is, every time I try stopping the spiro. my hair falls uncontrollably and my hair thins miserably)
2. I feel worse and lose more hair when I miss a meal or eat anything sweet or dairy.
3. I feel worse, lose hair and burn when I'm under stress. (but I can't seem to control the stress)

I want to get off of spiro., but I don't want to lose my hair. I can't psychologically handle watching it come out in the hundreds.

My naturopath put me on a chasteberry/black cohosh/ashwaghanda supplement twice a day. I don't know if it's the reason, but my hair loss has dropped off slightly, although the burning hasn't. She is having me test every morning for ovulation. If I don't ovulate, she wants me on progesterone cream......She's trying to do everything slowly because I've reacted badly to everything I've tried.
Can you suggest a way to get off of spiro. without losing my hair (or at least without losing massive amounts of it?)?
Sep 20, 2013
 comments continued
by: Jess

Wray,

I was just reading another of your articles in a different part of the site and came across the fact that pesticides raise estrogens? I live next to several huge orchards all of which use heavy pesticides...What's been odd about my hair loss is that every time I leave the area for more than a day, my hair loss slows and then stops. When I come home, it picks up again....What do I do?? We've been trying to sell our home for 4 years with no luck...If the lousy orchards are causing my problems, I don't know what I can do about it? Do you have any more information on pesticides causing symptoms like mine??
Also,
I went online last night to look up the herbs that are in the pills that my naturopath gave me because the burning in my scalp has increased 10 fold. I found that Ashwahganda increases androgenic activity!! Is this true? I quit taking the supplements immediately.
also,
I have started taking a product called "Pregnitude" again. It has 2,000mg of myo-inositol and 400mg. of folic acid in it. It's supposed to help with insulin resistance and fertility. Have you any experience with this?
I'm intrigued by NAC, but my naturopath said that it would be hard on my body, which is very sensitive. I've not been able to do any kid of detox (liver, candida, parasite, etc.) because it makes all my symptoms worse...You are a wealth of information...Thank you for your help - you inspire hope, which keeps me going.
j
Sep 22, 2013
 Thank you, thank you Wray!
by: Wray

Hi there Glad it made sense! Well your ratio of free testosterone to total is 7.9:1, it should range from 1 to 4%. So although your levels appear in the normal range, the ratio does not, see Keratin.com. Evidently the spiro is not good for you, or your scalp! The only way to go about things is to reduce it slowly, but at the same time use the progesterone. But as I said nothing less than 400mg/day, this you do not want to do slowly. It doesn't surprise me you reacted badly to all the drugs they've thrown at you. You need nutrients not drugs. Although your vitamin A appears low, I don't advise taking more. It inhibits the uptake of vitamin D which you do need more of, see here, here and here. Beta-carotene is a safe alternative to vitamin A, the body converts what's needed. Although your vitamin D falls in the normal range used, 30ng/ml is ineffective agains most diseases. Specialists are advising a minimum level of 50ng/ml, the less conservative, 70-100ng/ml. Mine is currently 92ng/ml and I try to keep it there. I would advise taking at least 10,000iu per day to get it up quickly, you might find you need 20,000iu. A lack of vitamin D also reduces the benefits of progesterone. Be sure to take magnesium too, it's the most important co-factor for vitamin D. Testing for ovulation in P-M might take you a few cycles. From about age 35 we begin getting anovulatory cycles, these increase in frequency throughout P-M, until Menopause when we stop ovulating. It's this which causes so many women to suffer countless adverse symptoms. Both testosterone and oestrogen are still being produced each month, but not progesterone. What concerns me is should you find you do ovulate this month, your naturopath will not recommend progesterone, which you need above all else. Or should you not ovulate this cycle, she will probably recommend the normal 20-40mg/day. This does not raise levels to that found in the luteal phase, see our page on Progesterone Misconceptions. You need to get your vitamin D level up high, and you need to suppress the testosterone which is causing the hair loss with progesterone. Plus avoid all those sweet, starchy foods which lower SHBG. Although this paper is specifically about P-M and headaches, the info it contains can be applied to all the symptoms we encounter, see here. Take care Wray
Sep 24, 2013
 comments continued
by: Wray

Hi Jess There are now over 100 oestrogen mimics, pesticides are some of the main culprits. And of course the food we eat is covered with them. Spraying should stop a few days before reaping it, but if an infestation of some bug is in full swing, it won't be. Many are systemic too, there will always be some residue, even if spraying is stopped on the due date. And of course they are in the air, and you will be getting a full dose of them on spraying days. And it lingers too, none of them dissipate immediately. If you want to read more about the toxins, Our Stolen Future is certainly the best site on them. EWG is another excellent site on toxins etc. Particularly their Skin Deep site on toxic skin care. Well it seems some report ashwaganda as being androgenic, but my main source of info on herbs does not. I have found this one paper here, where it says it's protective against fungicides! This is another paper here on how it reduced scalp hair loss. Which would seem to indicate it's not androgenic. The one paper which seems to be quoted by other sites is here. It states "Serum testosterone and FSH levels were lower in animals treated with plants extracts than controls". I think people are confusing spermatogenesis, which it does stimulate, with higher testosterone levels. Unfortunately the paper concludes with "that extracts of both plants have a direct spermatogenic influence on the seminiferous tubules of immature rats presumably by exerting a testosterone-like effect". It's the 'testosterone-like' effect which has confused them. Interestingly ashwaganda is high in iron. This is an excellent site here. You ask about Pregnitude, I've looked at the site, it says it contains 200mcg folic acid, and the 2000mg inositol. Continued below
Sep 24, 2013
 comments continued Part 2
by: Wray

Hi Jess You said you had tested negative for PCOS, which is why I never gave you this link. But you'll find several papers on the page about inositol and folic acid. Although all the studies used 4000mg/day inositol. It does help sensitise the body to insulin, helps blood glucose control, initiates ovulation, and it's known as the anti-alopecia vitamin. Probably because blood glucose problems can cause hair loss. The worsening of your symptoms when doing a detox is normal, although unpleasant! We do have a page on Candida which explains the Herxheimer reaction. I don't know what to suggest as a detox is necessary, maybe you could go at it slowly? Thanks for the kind words. Take care Wray
Sep 25, 2013
 Trying to figure it all out
by: Jess

Hi Wray,
Once again, thank you so much for responding. I know how valuable your time is.
First, I ordered the cream - it hasn't come yet, but I'm watching...I can't say that I'm not afraid to start off at 400 mg...I'm in a bad place right now. The burning in my scalp and face is steadily increasing as is my hair loss.....
Anyway, I was looking back at the first tests that I had done on testosterone, before I started spiro.....My testosterone was LOWER!! Free testosterone was <.2 (scale .2-2.2)and total was 10.5 (scale 10.0-90.0) Is it possible that the spironolactone raised my testosterone? (DHEA was 17 (scale 32-240).

I just got a recent test result for Dihydrotestosterone back it was <5 -below scale - isn't that what affects hair loss?

Before spiro. it was 8.9 (scale 4-22).
It doesn't make sense.
Anyway, I'm afraid that I'm never going to get relief. I'm seriously depressed and my nerves are on edge - I keep snapping at everyone and I'm waking with panic attacks again...I turned 43 today - it's my birthday and I wish I was 80 so that I could look forward to death. The thought of living for another 40 years scares me. I've made everyone in my family as miserable as I am and I can't see a way out or an end to it.
Thank you for your help - It gives me a ray of hope.
j
Oh, I saw in another post that you have a plan for getting off spiro. Would you share that with me? I got a pill cutter and lowered my dose to 100 mg. am, 75 mg. pm. thank you.
Sep 27, 2013
 hair
by: Anonymous

Hi Jess, I too struggle with my hair. Have been for years and been trying to figure what is going on. I have tried alot of different things. Right now I use vivelle dot, progesterone cream, and take spiro. I have read that spirolodactone is an anti-androgen. I do notice that my hair is less oily and does not have a oder to it. I wish the shedding would be less. Spiro is a water pill, so be sure you drink plenty of water with it or you will become dizzy. I do take different supplements too. I feel though hair loss is hormonal and do believe progesterone is key. Here is another web site that is good-www.hopeforyourhormones. You said it was your birthday on the 25th? That is my moms birthday too. Happy Birthday to you and I will be thinking of you and trying my best to figure this hair thing out. I believe that there is a answer to it and if we all work together we will beat this. Take care.
Sep 28, 2013
 Trying to figure it all out
by: Wray

Hi Jess Oh yes it could do. If you look back to my reply on the 18th I said spiro has androgenic properties, and gave you some papers too. Many things can cause Hair Loss, not just DHT. Please look through this page as it goes into details about all the different kinds, and the nutrients to help. Some of which will help the Anxiety and panic attacks. I don't have info on coming off the spiro slowly. I would suggest stopping it immediately, you have no need for it, even though it's given for hair loss, it appears to be doing you more harm than good. But do start all those hair loss nutrients. I wish you a belated happy birthday, I know you feel 80, but I know you will come right. The body has a remarkable ability to heal itself, but it does need the nutrients to do so, not drugs. I also made my family miserable, and it also started for me in my early 40's, I only found progesterone when I was 47. By which time I was ready to do myself in, or anyone who got in my way! Please hang in there, and take those nutrients, particularly vitamin D. Let me know how you get on. Take care Wray
Sep 28, 2013
 afraid of everything
by: jess

Thanks again, Wray. I've had so many conflicting solutions presented to me that I'm afraid of everything. I've tried homeopathy, kineseology, naturopathic, etc., etc. I've gone off of spironolactone two times since starting it a year and a half ago. Both times I ended up with massive hair loss and thinning. The last time I went off, the thinning focused on my frontal hair line, which is hard to hide. Both times that I went back on the spiro., the hair loss diminished and my hair slowly began to grow back. However, after being on spiro. for about fourth months, the hair loss increases again, as does the burning in my scalp. I wish there was a way to prevent the massive shed that comes with stopping the drug. I've cut back to 75mg. twice a day, but all that's happened is my hair is falling out twice as much. I also took chasteberry for a few days. I don't know if the increased loss is coming from the chasteberry or the reduction in spiro. Either way, I'm miserable. I also can't sleep again and am so exhausted. I can't live like this.
I've been reading everything on your site. I'm worried about all the women that have lost more hair on the progesterone regiment. Are there success stories regarding progesterone treatment and hair loss? One of my naturopaths said that progesterone probably converts to testosterone in me. She wanted me to take natural estrogen only!
Back when I had normal periods, I did notice an increase in hair loss right before and during my period. My scalp would get oily also, and my hair would be flat and dry until my period was over. I thought that progesterone was highest just before the period. Does that mean that high progesterone was causing those symptoms every month? or was it the drop in progesterone when I had my period that caused it. I also got horrible mood swings and depression the week before. Now I have that all the time.
In one of your posts, you said that some people may need to start really low with the progesterone and work up after a number of months. I'm wondering if that would be better for me, or if hitting it with 200-400 all at once would be better.
I'm afraid that if I stop spiro. and start progesterone that I'll never know what is causing the hair loss (which I expect I'll get). I want so badly to be well - I'm jealous of women who have attained health...What do you think of Maca root? (Macafem) Can you really balance your hormones with herbs?
Thanks again, Wray - and for being so patient with me. God Bless! j
Sep 29, 2013
 afraid of everything
by: Wray

Hi Jess I would ask you to re-read everything I've said to you, I don't think it's sunk in. This doesn't surprise me at all. Before I found progesterone I had to read a page 10 times before I took it in! I've answered all your new queries before. I've given you papers on sipro having androgenic properties which would cause hair loss. No drug should be taken indefinitely, they all have adverse side effects, and often cause the very thing they've been given to 'cure'. I've answered you on the chasteberry too, it is oestrogenic. Women who loose hair while using progesterone have not used enough. If it did cause hair loss, all pregnant women would go bald! The reverse is actually the case, they have lovely hair. Not surprising when we can make over 400ng/ml per day in the third trimester. Please read that page on Hair Loss again. Progesterone and oestrogen peak mid-luteal phase, which is ±7 days before bleeding, thereafter they begin dropping. But it's the withdrawal of progesterone which causes all the problems, as it has with you. Which only goes to show your problem is excess oestrogen and of course testosterone. I've answered your naturopaths comments about progesterone converting to testosterone fully. I don't believe working up slowly is a good option, it takes far too long to get well. Plus there's every chance it can stimulate oestrogen.Your vitamin D is far too low too, I have asked you to take large doses to get it up high, between 70-100ng/ml. Nearer the 100ng/ml would be better. Please answer these questions for me. Are you taking vitamin D, NAC, taurine, the bioflavonoids, inositol and biotin? Without these you will not grow hair, the bleeding will not be helped, nor will the anxiety and sleep issues. Are you avoiding all the sweet, starchy carbs and only eating the green carbs? Please answer these for me, as I can't help you further if you don't. Maca apparently has no affect on oestrogen or testosterone levels according to this one paper, see here. And yet this paper said it increased oestradiol levels, see here. It does appear to increase diastolic blood pressure slightly too, see here. Forget all the herbs, you need nutrients, you need the amino acids, the vitamins, minerals from which the body is made. Herbs can help, but they don't supply the vital nutrients you are lacking. Take care Wray
Sep 29, 2013
 hair
by: Anonymous

Hi Jess, Do you have any children? How was your hair when you carried them? I know when I carried my two babies my hair was wonderful. I always said if I could keep my body into thinking it was pregnant all the time, I would have beautiful hair. The progesterone is sky high so is the estrogen. Wray, since estrogen is high when pregnant, does that effect the hair or is it mostly the progesterone? Been thinking of you Jess. Take care and God Bless.
Oct 01, 2013
 caring people
by: Jess

Thank you, Anonymous and Wray, for caring. I've been to so many doctors who could care less.
First, thank you anonymous for sharing what you're going through. Spiro. slows the shedding down for a few months and then it picks up again and gets as bad as before. I'm trying to reduce the dosage right now, but it's causing my hair to fall out in hand fulls again. I, too, believe that there has to be a way to beat this. Unfortunately, everything that I've tried has made it worse. Yes, I have three children. I also had three miscarriages. My hair was beautiful during pregnancy. My hair was beautiful until a couple years ago when this whole nightmare started.
Thanks for being patient with me, Wray. I've read everything you sent me. Yes, I do need to review again and again. Part of my ongoing problem is horrible memory loss and brain fog. I have trouble getting anything done. I have been on a really healthy diet for the past year and a half. When all of this started (hair loss) I immediately quit caffeine, sugar, and gluten. Since seeing a Naturopath I have almost eliminated grains of all kinds. I eat mostly organic produce and meat. I've always loved vegetables and eat huge amounts of salad, kale, spinach, etc. I'd do anything to get well. I'm extremely self disciplined. I wish I could say that a year and a half of the right diet has helped, but it hasn't. I don't "cheat" either. Nothing processed or sugared has crossed my lips in what seems like forever.
I've been taking some very high quality (and expensive) supplements (metagenics) for a long time. I'm taking 10,000IU of vitamin D, selenium, E, vit. C, B complex, Biotin (for two years), BioSil, B12, and folic acid.
For some reason, Wray, every time I try amino acids, my scalp burns and my hair falls out faster. I'm still taking Pregnitude (2,000 mg. myo-inositol) although I'm almost out. My Naturopath said not to take NAC because she thought that I would react badly to it like I have to so many things. I am willing to try, though. How much taurine do you recommend? Wray, are there any specific brands of supplements that you can recommend? There are a billion choices out there.
I'm going to the store today and I will try to get everything you suggested. I want to quit spiro. in a big way, but the hair loss (up to 65 hairs today, so far) is psychologically devistating to me.
Since lowering spiro., I'm having bouts of insomnia again. I was up at 2 am. researching. Some sources say that insomnia is caused by low estrogen; some say low progesteron; others say low testosterone!
I'm sorry for all the questions, Wray. I'm just very cautious now. I went on spiro. on impulse because I trusted the dermatologist. That was a big mistake and now I'm stuck.
Oct 01, 2013
 life line - continued
by: Jess

By the way, I've been testing for ovulation for 16 straight days now, and I still have not ovulated. Is there any chance at all that my body will regulate on it's own? My last hormone tests are as follows: progesterone 0.43, testosterone 23 (not free - bad doc.), FSH 3.9, LH 5.7. And of course I don't know where I am in my cycle because I don't have one any more thanks to the darn ablasion!
Wray, I want to reiterrate anonymous' question above. Since both progesterone and estrogen are high during pregnancy, should we be supplementing both? I've read all the articles on estrogen dominance, but I've also read a number of articles on how estrogen is the "hair" hormone.
I'm not questioning your expertise, these are just nagging questions that I have, and I truly value your expertise and opinion. Thanks again, j
Oct 01, 2013
 hair
by: Wray

Hi there You are right, oestriol the pregnancy oestrogen is sky high too. When doing research for the Hair Loss page, I didn't come across any papers suggesting oestriol influenced hair growth. I've just had another look, nothing on google, and nothing in PubMed either. I had wonderful hair too when pregnant. Jess says she lives near four very heavily sprayed orchards, I feel this is probably the cause, or certainly adding to the hair loss. If only people would eat organic food, the farmers who use pesticides would have no business and therefore be forced to change their ways. Take care Wray
Oct 02, 2013
 caring people
by: Wray

Hi Jess I do know you've been trying everything to get well. What happened 2 years ago to set this off. Was it a drop in progesterone, vitamin D, added stress, pesticides, unstable blood glucose, peri-menopause....this is the over riding question, but it's like looking for a needle in a hay stack. Your naturopath seems on the right path. If you're concerned about the NAC then don't take it, or try the smallest dose, 100mg and see what happens. I generally recommend 2000mg/day taurine, but if this amount worries you, then try 100mg/day. There's no specific brand, although I tend to give out the LEF website. They have a huge range, often in powder form which is how I take them all. Makes it much cheaper too. Plus they have a very informative website, giving details of what the supps do. It doesn't surprise me you haven't ovulated, you are in the beginning stages of Peri-menopause when anovulatory cycles became more frequent. It's this loss of progesterone which is the biggest cause of our symptoms, as it leaves oestrogen dominant for the entire month. Until ovulation takes place the next month, but then again it might not, and another anovulatory month is experienced. I see they didn't give you the oestrogen results, so I can't give you a ratio on the two. In fact nowhere on the page above do you give oestrogen results. But your progesterone is very low, at a level found in the follicular phase. Or during an anovulatory cycle. Your LH is higher than your FSH, which indicates PCOS, but you said you were tested negatively for this. And yet your free testosterone is higher in ratio to the total, which to my mind would account for the hair loss and the PCOS. LH stimulates testosterone production, so this makes sense. Too high a level also suppresses ovulation and therefore progesterone. As I said to the anon, I've not found any papers on oestrogen improving hair. Another look failed to find any. The hair loss page explains all the different varieties and what's the possible cause. Thanks for the kind words, but I don't know how to help further, beyond saying all your symptoms point to very low progesterone, and high oestrogen/testosterone, plus the high LH you've now given. Take care Wray
Oct 05, 2013
 For Jess
by: Anonymous

Jess, I briefly read your story - much like mine, my issues have been going on for about 3 years. I also have the tight burning sore scalp with hair loss - but after searching and reading many books - I read a book that the lady regrew her hair after 30 years of being bald. Her theory is that it is toxins of some sort causing the problems so that your body is not working properly - either heavy metals, parasites, fungus, etc. I have been working on this since june - it is a slow process but somewhere to start. I found this website a little while ago - ordered the product and started sleeping through the night for the 1st time in 3 years after I began a lot of progesterone. I started with a lot because I have used progesterone in the past but no luck - I have seen many doctors and everyone seems puzzled and they seem to come up with a lets try this and see if it works and nothing ever worked. Don't know if this helps you - but don't give up - keep going ahead - I know its very hard and sucks at times!
Oct 07, 2013
 Thanks again, Wray
by: Anonymous

My estrogen results just came back. 4.07 free and 222 total. If you have the time, could you tell me what that means for progesterone/estrogen ratio?
My naturopath feels that despite what the doctors say, I do have PCOS. I have been diagnosed as insulin resistant by an endo. I quit the Spironolactone cold turkey after seeing the Naturopath last Friday. I'm waiting for the fall out and hoping it doesn't come. My Nat. put me on B12/folic acid three times a day (feels that the spiro. made me deficient), and 2 grams/3Xs a day of Inositol - lots of magnesium - 10,000 iu of Vit. D (liquid) - 1,000 mg vit. C 3 X's a day - Selenium E twice a day, Flax oil, and metagenics Lipogen (has Taurine in it); also wants me to eat lots of beets and red cabbage.
If I do have PCOS, will the inositol help the insulin resistance? I hate drugs, but the endo. gave me metformin. What say you on that?
Naturopath wants me to take it slowly, starting with the supplements - I have to go back in two weeks to talk about progesterone cream.
These were huge steps for me...I value all the info. you've given me. All important steps in the process. My big worry is setting off a huge shed by throwing my hormones into a tizzy by adding progesterone cream at 400 mg. all at once. Do people generally experience a
"getting worse" phase at this level, or does the high amount prevent that? Thanks again. j
Oct 09, 2013
 Thanks again, Wray
by: Wray

Hi Jess Well your progesterone was 0.43ngml and your oestrogen is 222pg/ml, which makes your ratio 2:1, extremely low. Mine was 5:1 and I was a basket case! I'm not sure if I gave you the Saliva Tests page? You'll notice the progesterone shoots up after a month, and the ratios were all 600:1 and over. I'm pleased your naturopath believes you have PCOS, you have many of the symptoms for it, plus the higher LH to FSH ratio. And the free to total testosterone too. All those supps are good, particularly the 6000mg/day inositol. It does help insulin resistance, plus initiates ovulation too. There's info and papers about in on the PCOS page I've given. Metformin is the drug of choice, and yet inositol is just as good, with no adverse side effects, see here. I suspect most people are low in inositol, which is why it goes into all our complexes. It's also so good for hair loss too, in fact it's known as the anti-alopecia vitamin. Definitely start with the supplements, you have no need for the Metformin at all. I've found the higher the amount of progesterone used, the less the Oestrogen Dominance. Your ratio is so very low, I wouldn't use anything less than 400mg/day. As the anon above says, she started with high amounts. You have far too much oestrogen/testosterone in your system, in ratio to progesterone. Understandably, as it doesn't appear you're ovulating. Although LH initiates ovulation, too high a level stops it. LH also stimulates the secretion of testosterone. Let me know how you get on. Take care Wray
Oct 10, 2013
 taking it slow
by: Jess

Hi Wray,
Thanks for evaluating the estrogen/prog. ratio. Well, I went cold turkey on the spiro. last Friday. The same day I started the myo-inositol. I have to tell you what happened because it's so different than before. The first few days my hair loss almost stopped. The inositol soothes the burning itching scalp. In fact for a few hours, it makes it disappear and I almost feel normal. I decided to increase the dose of inositol (with my Nat. approval) to the maximum dose on the jar (1 scoop, three times a day) That's 12 grams a day! I just started that yesterday, but my hair loss has picked up a bit - not sure why. I don't know how long it takes spiro. to leave your system, so I'm wondering if there is going to be some kind of massive shed when it all goes. The breast pain has stopped and much of the nervousness has abated. I'm also noticing that my urine is less cloudy.
I'm praying every day that I'll ovulate, but I'm sure that it's going to take a while after having messed myself up with the spiro.
On the down side, I am massively bloated. I wake up with triple bags under my eyes and my ankles look like overstuffed sausages. I'm also getting some acne on my chin (not the cystic kind, yet)and my scalp is oilier(darn!). I've also had bad headaches and I'm soooo tired. I gained 7 pounds since Friday! I'm hoping that all of this will end soon and I'll be back to normal.
I haven't started the progesterone cream yet. I guess I'm waiting to see what my body does with the inositol first. I'll start the progesterone next - at a high dose.
You know Wray, I mentioned to my doctor that I had tried progesterone cream in the past and didn't react badly to it until I switched to a brand with wild yam and progesterone and then I started getting acne and oily. She said she uses wild yam to increase testosterone and would never use it with someone who has hair loss. Could the wild yam have been the problem before?
Thanks so much, Wray! I'll keep you posted.
Oct 10, 2013
 response to Oct.5 anonymous
by: Jess

Thank you for sharing what you are going through. I've talked to a few women who have the burning scalp along with the hair loss...I agree, about the toxins. My hair loss problems did not start until we moved to a home sandwiched between several hundred acres of commercial fruit orchards. The farmer crop dusts!! I never thought that I could despise farmers, but after seeing how little this one cares about the health of the people around him, I do. I also resent the fact that I have to pay 4 times as much for organic produce! Every time I leave for a few days, my hair loss stops. It starts again when I come home. Three docs. think that it is related to the pesticides. We've been trying to sell our home for over 4 years with no luck. I'm ready to just walk away from it. Every time I try a liver detox or a candida treatment, my hair loss gets worse, significantly. Why? No one knows. I have to say that the myo-inositol stops the burning and cuts down on the loss. I just went off of spiro. and started the inositol, so I want to wait a bit before going on the progesterone cream. Could you let me know how much progesterone cream you're taking? and how your hair is doing on it? I have also been experimented on by many well meaning doctors. Some of the results have been devistating. I'm very cautious now. Thanks again.
j
Oct 11, 2013
 For Jess
by: Anonymous

Jess,
I started with around 1000mg of progesterone and am maintaining that until a lot of my symptoms are completely gone. I have been to probably over 20 doctors natural and medical and have got no where (and spent tons of money on this). I have got past the idea of loosing my hair and am trying to focus on the real issue and I know it will correct in time. I will not go on any prescriptions or use any chemicals on my scalp as I know it is an imbalance in my body and that would probably mess it up more. I just came off a extremely stressful 3 years of my life - I did have my energy field read (I know it sounds crazy) but I am willing to try anything - I was told by the derm that I have androgenic - there is no history of that in my family - I went back 3 generations. But the energy reading said I have something in my lymphatic system and that was causing my issues. I have a good idea of what it is at this point and am working at that as well. I don't know how we would get each others email address - but maybe we could email back and forth and I can let you know what I have tried and what didn't work for me. I have been on some of the supplements you were just put on with no luck. I guess if you are thinking it is the pesticides - look around your neighborhood and see if anyone else is having the problems - I am the only one having these issues in my family - immediate and extended so I know it is something wrong with me and not environmental. Take Care
Oct 13, 2013
 Keep in contact
by: Jess

Thanks so much for responding. Yes, I would love to exchange e-mail addresses....Wray, could you share my e-mail address with anonymous?.....Did going on high doses of progesterone crm. right away cause stress to your body? What happened to your hair loss? Does the progesterone cream cause the body's hormones to regulate or will the body not ovulate because you're providing all the progesterone it needs? I've done so many things to make my hair loss worse (DHEA, natural thyroid, estrogen, homeopathic detox, etc.) that I'm terrified to start the progesterone cream. Let me know how you're doing. I'm reading everything I can again today. Trying to muster up the courage to start the cream...Then I'm afraid that I won't be able to get more cream fast enough if I start. I understand that it can be in short supply at times.
My hair loss had slowed on the inositol, but it's picking up again. I just want so badly to be normal again.
Keep in touch.
Oct 14, 2013
 taking it slow
by: Wray

Hi Jess I'm delighted you're using inositol and such a high does to, it will do nothing but good. You might like to read these papers on it, it cures OCD and a number of other disorders, all of which I believe are due to a disturbed blood glucose, including the hair problems people have, see here, here and here. They use amounts up to 18g per day, so you have a long way to go before reaching that! I think it will take some time before ovulation begins. If you look on the PCOS page you'll find papers on inositol, NAC, vitamin D all taking up to 6 months before it began. I put all these into one complex at the doses used in the studies, rather than the single nutrient the studies used, making it more effective. There's nothing more effective as a diuretic than progesterone. It's now given via IV transfusion to Traumatic Brain Injury victims to prevent or reverse any oedema formed. Hopefully you'll see it all go once you start, you will be visiting the loo very frequently! It's so difficult to tell why one brand works and another doesn't. But one thing I have learned from making it, that the thicker the cream, the less progesterone is absorbed. It needs to be a very thin cream to work. We know the Natpro does as we run Saliva Tests on it. You'll see the before and after results and the progesterone shoots up. I have never heard of a yam cream boosting testosterone. We cannot convert the plant sterol in the yam to progesterone. This has to be produced first in the body, or the lab, before we make testosterone. All women make more testosterone each month than oestrogen, but most of it gets converted to oestrogen by the enzyme aromatase. If aromatase is low, less will be converted, so testosterone remains high. My guess is the wild yam/progesterone combo was giving you so little progesterone it couldn't work, it just stimulated oestrogen. Let me know how you get on! Take care Wray
Oct 14, 2013
 Keep in contact
by: Wray

Hi Jess We don't like to give emails out on the web site, as it invites spam. But if you fill out this form here, and the anon does the same, we'll be able to give you both your respective emails. Take care Wray
Oct 14, 2013
 tried 200mg
by: Jess

Hi Wray,
I've been off spiro. for over a week. Yesterday, the shedding picked up and so did the burning. I tried 200 mg. of the progesterone cream (Natpro). The burning in my scalp and down my face and neck got so bad that I was in tears. My hair fell like rain and I couldn't fall asleep all night. I was going to do another 200 mg. today, but I'm afraid to. I felt so awful. I assume that the progesterone is being quickly converted to testosterone in my body, hence the burning and hair loss. Is there a way to get past this? I don't think that I can handle the side effects. I still have to function. Also, I tried to order more cream on your site and there isn't any. If I have to go to extreme amounts, I'll not have enough. Can you recommend an alternative brand until you get more? Is it possible that progesterone will not help me?
Oct 15, 2013
 For Jess
by: Anonymous

Jess,
Hi again, I am the one having the same problems as you and have tried some of the pills you were just put on - I will be interested to see the response of your last post, but I was thinking about you, you made alot of changes really fast from what you said, and increasing the inositol to 12g and taking the lipogen - if that is what you did - I think you may be detoxing really fast. My test results look very similar to yours - I compared numbers last weekend - in my opinion, the progesterone will only do good for you. I started out with alot and noticed after 1 week, no more little hairs on my chin, (I know its gross) but also much calmer and sleep better. From my understanding this hair loss is a gene that we inherited and the vitamins & minerals we take are to put the gene at rest in order to grow back the hair and fix alot of other issues. My suggestion would be to journal everything you take, everything you eat, and changes day to day and also symptoms that change. I quit going to any and all doctors and am sorting this out on my own and I think I have made much more progress without everyone telling me what they think - because that tends to stear me wrong each and every time. My hair is still falling out - but with the progress that I have made in 1 week with the recent changes I have made I am very hopeful that I will have a "normal" life around the corner. Take Care -
Oct 15, 2013
 tried 200mg
by: Wray

Hi Jess On 18th Sept I said "If you want to try progesterone again, please use nothing less than 400mg/day, you will get Oestrogen Dominance if you opt for less." And now you have, 200mg is not enough. Whether 400mg/day is I don't know, no one could advise you on the amount to use, as no one knows what's happening internally. You do have all the symptoms of excess oestrogen/testosterone, which implies progesterone is low, apart from the test you had done. If you prefer to wait until the inositol has really kicked in, then please do. There's no point in pushing yourself beyond what you can handle. But I would ask you to read what the anon said above, the amount she had to use, and her other advise. I'm sorry about the stock out, we have made a double batch last month, and will the next and the one after to keep up. I have heard it should be back in stock on Thursday. Let me know how you get on. Take care Wray
Oct 15, 2013
 maybe 800?
by: Jess

Hi Wray,
I was taking your advise when I took the 200mg. because I was going to split the 400 into 200 and 200. When I had that dramatic response to it, I backed off in order to stabilize. Maybe I need the 400 all at once? Since it is needed every 13 hours or so, should I do 400 and 400 (800 a day?). It's strange but since the drama of Sunday, my hair loss has slowed significantly and I feel better than I have in a long time. Could it be a delayed reaction of the progesterone? The inositol is great. For one thing, I have not been constipated (something I've struggled with my entire life, terrible over the last year). I also have not been growing nasty coarse hairs on my chin, and the acne hasn't come back...I also haven't been burning since the bad day on Sun.
I don't think that I mentioned this before, but another ongoing symptom that I've had over the past two years is itching feet! There is nothing on my feet and the itching is deep - can't really scratch it away. It wakes me up at night. The night after the progesterone, there was no itching. Have you ever heard of itching feet as a symptom of progesterone deficiency? Both of my sisters have this also - they are in their early 50s. I'm anxious to try again, but I don't want to until I have more cream. I want a stockpile because I have a feeling that I'm going to require a lot.
To anonymous - I'm with you on the doctors. I cancelled the apt. with the derma. and the gastroenterologist. I've had it! No one in my family has experienced hair loss - male or female. One thing that I did not mention is that I had silicone breast implants for 8 years. I feel so stupid for it! I had them removed a little more than a year ago. From what I've read, silicone toxicity syndrome can cause hair loss. I hope it's not genetic, but why me??? My grandmother had a complete hysterectomy and took HRT - she had a full head of beautiful hair!! (but the HRT caused heart problems). I can't believe that this is permanent. I would love to be able to contact you personally because I think that we could really help each other. I've had a lot of trial and error over the last two years as well. Praying for our healing!!!! j
Oct 17, 2013
 For Jess
by: Anonymous

Jess - Reply to the form above with your email and I will do the same - I have a idea on the scalp after reading your post.
Oct 17, 2013
 maybe 800?
by: Wray

Hi Jess Ah I see now! Yes it did hit you dramatically, it's not usually like that. Although one woman in Denmark was also in despair. She had increased to 500mg/day, and it just made her vomiting far, far worse. The problem though, she definitely felt some of her others symptoms had been helped. I was in despair too, as I didn't want her to suffer any more. So I told her she could either stop it or go up to 1000mg/day. A few days later she wrote to say the vomiting had calmed down, and she was beginning to feel better. To my astonishment she'd chosen to use the 1000mg/day, much as the anon above said she did too. I don't like telling people to use that much because of cost, and it seems like all I'm interested in is selling progesterone. Luckily over 50% of the people who write into this site don't use Natpro. I've not heard of itching feet being a symptom of progesterone deficiency. But it wouldn't surprise me to learn it is. It's not likely a study will ever be done on it though! I wish I could tell you outright that the 800-1000mg/day will help you, but I can't. All I can say is that the very high amounts have helped others. Have you had another vitamin D test done? Please do if not, it could be the 10,000iu/day that you're taking is not enough. It seems you're not taking enough good fats and oils, or magnesium if you have suffered from constipation for so long. Plus of course excess oestrogen causes it too. It draws water from the gut and puts it in the tissues, hence the oedema so many women get. You are under great stress, you need large doses of all the anti-inflammatory nutrients, this is what's lacking. I've not heard that silicone can cause hair loss, but it's an interesting finding of yours. I think you missed my comment of the 14th Oct, I said to you and the anon..... "Hi Jess We don't like to give emails out on the web site, as it invites spam. But if you fill out this form here, and the anon does the same, we'll be able to give you both your respective emails." Let me know how you get on. Take care Wray
Dec 08, 2013
 progesterone and massive hair shedding
by: Veronica

Hi!

Wray, I'd love your opinion on my hair loss. I started losing hair about 5 years ago, at age 38. I've had symptoms of chronic fatigue for 20+ years. At age 39, I became malnourished and lost a lot of weight before doctors realized I had a bowel obstruction caused by Allyn-Masters Syndrome. Then, a series of illnesses followed including Mononucleosis, Pneumonia, sinus infections. Illnesses seemed to trigger peri-menopause symptooms. (One doctor told me she thought I was PCOS)Last year, at age 42, I had my ovaries out. I believe I am one of the small percentage of women who is sensitive to too much estrogen, despite my hormone levels always reading normal.) Doc prescribed synthetic estrogen and progesterone after ovaries removed. My hair was growing back well until I stopped taking synthetic hormones in September due to adverse reactions. My hair started thinning again. Just went on bioidentical progesterone 4 days ago. First day, my chronic fungal nail infection cleared up almost completely after 5 years of being on antifungals. Yesterday, my hair fell out in massive quantities, like it never has before. I feel fine, but hair loss scares me. The doc prescribed 250mg of progesterone, taken at bedtime. Do you think this is too little progesterone as you mentioned earlier? Should I increase to 400mg? Also, I've been on Spironolactone for one year. It seemed to help. Should I be taking it with Progesterone? Doc also prescribed 1mg testosterone (She did blood work first. She said I was estrogen dominant because even though my estrogen is low, my progesterone and testosterone is lower.) However, I have not started testosterone as I'm afraid it would lead to more hairloss. I'm now wearing wig. I would truly appreciate any insights you could offer.
Jan 19, 2014
 hi jess
by: sahar

hi jess .. i have to say from reading your story i feel completely on same page as you .. you know i dealt with depression all my life and basically anything that i tried for stoping my hair loss it didn't work .. i have had many bad reaction to every medication that i take and now both anti depressant and spironlactone making my scalp so itchy,painful,dry,burning and i don't know what else i can do to fix this .. you know it's very hard on me as is on you because i no longer feel beautiful,happy,confident,energetic ,, to be honest with you sometimes i don't want to continue anymore with life anymore, that i feel like the only option available for me might be laser hair therapy which is so costly ... never imagined at 30 years old i might have this problem but is killing me ... i'll pray for you to get better .. be strong
Jan 20, 2014
 Hi Sahar
by: jess

It does help to know that you are not alone, Sahar. This is by far the hardest thing that I've ever been through. I have a few updates. I quit spironolactone cold turkey about 5 months ago. I did not have the 'dread shed' that everyone talks about. At the same time I quit spiro., I started 2,000 mg. of myo-inositol 3 times a day. My periods resumed in about six weeks and I ovulated for the first time in I don't know how long. Unfortunately, that was the only time I ovulated in the 5 months. I tried progesterone cream again this month, starting on day 14. The burning in my scalp and face got worse every day that I took the progesterone cream until I couldn't stand it any more and quit. My hair is not shedding as bad as it used to on spiro., but it is still thinning. I look so old with my thin hair. I really can't hide it any more. I'm desperate to find a natural way to resume ovulation, because I know that I need progesterone. It's funny that when I ovulate naturally, I don't burn or itch and my hair doesn't fall out; but when I use nat. progesterone cream I get all of the above. Is it the method of application? A difference in chemical make-up? Hang in there Sahar, I'm with you on this - You're in my prayers.
Jan 24, 2014
 ..
by: sahar

i been trying to fix this for a 14 years and everyday that goes by i feel worse about how i look .. i don't know what else will work for me .. for this past years not a single hair grew back .. its so bad to the point that i'm so ashamed of going out in public .. i just hope things get better for both of us ... best of luck
Sep 04, 2014
 Selenium in excess, or any heavy metal will make your hair fall out
by: Anonymous

I might be a bit late to this party but:
Stop taking your selenium supplement that you have been taking for 2+years...
Sep 15, 2014
 Burning Scalp
by: Renee'

Hello Wray:

I've been experiencing this for approx. 3 months, I am 48 years old. My OBGYN checked my Estradiol E2 which was 40.8 and Progesterone which was 0.6. The burning last night, as well as today just terrible, and I started my period today.

Wray I've been to many specialists noone can tell me what's wrong. Can you please tell me if my levels are normal or if progesterone cream would top my scalp from burning, as well as some hair loss?

Thank you in advance,

Best,
Renee'
Sep 26, 2014
 Hair loss for 40 yrs!
by: Ann

Just read all of your comments. THANKYOU all! This is an answer to my prayers...All started after my first daughter was born when I was 21..I've had 6 more children since and my hair seemed to cycle 6mths grow and then fall out.. been to several Drs..Give Spirolactone but it scared me that it was for high blood pressure so I stopped.. since then I take Clonidine 50 mg fevery 6hrs to control it and experienced muscle cramps because of what I presume is lack of potassium? just about to trey Spiro' again now having 2nd thoughts! I also have insulin resistance gluten intollerance low Vit D and take Natures thyroid.+Progesterone drops.. Going to DR soon to see if I can increase the Progesterone and add these other vitamins suggested. I eat alot of Orgaiic veg and soon moving to GA where I will work in Org. Greenhouse. I am hopeful and excited that finally I can be healed. Blessings to you all.Let's keep in touch!
Dec 07, 2014
 Hair Loss
by: Anonymous

If can please trouble you for some advice as I don't seem to be getting very far with my problems. I have jotted down what has been going on over the past few years and would love if you could give me some advice.

I have a question on hair loss as it is a huge thing for me at the moment.

I have had so many different things been told to me about hair loss that I am so confused and I have now become very depressed.

Here is my story.

From Nov 13 to Feb 14 I was under a lot of stress at work and have had a lot of stress in my life over the past 7 years.

I was not well between Nov 13 and Feb 14 with weird symptoms and had several visits to the dr with fluid in my ears, a bad cough, I had extremely bad nausea between Nov 13 and Feb 14.

Then at the end of Feb 14 I had a bout of vomiting for 6 hrs and felt very unwell after with nausea. I then had very swollen glands under my jaw and especially behind my right ear which is the same ear I had fluid in earlier. Then in the middle of March I still had extremely swollen glands behind my right ear and I also noticed I had hair loss and a very sore scalp and I still had the nausea.

I then visited a dr who told me I was making things up and I had no hair loss and I had none of the symptoms I had and told me I just wanted something to be wrong with me.

He did some blood tests to check my hormones and everything came back fine.

I have been to numerous hair specialists, drs and dermatologists and everyone has a different opinion. The last dermatologist I went to said it was impossible for my hair loss to be female baldness as I have lost so much hair in such a short period of time (I had a photo of what my hair use to look like). I have now lost over 50% of my hair and it continues to fall out. The hairs that do fall out still have the bulbs on them and I have lost hair all over not just the top and sides. The strands of hair have become very brittle they were not like that before the hair loss started and I have noticed many of hairs have very tappered ends not the end that is connected to the scalp but the other end. My hair just seems to snap, and it seems to come out very easily.

I have tried Spironolactone and it made me very depressed and the 4 weeks I was on it I lost even more hair. I have also read that hair loss and depression can be side effects of the medication.

I have had problems with iron, B3, and Vit D and currently I am taking supplements for all these. I also had very bad eating habits for the past 5 years with skipping meals as I have had stomach problems. I also have low blood volume.

I had a hair analysis done which showed I had very high levels of copper. I also get a funny rash on my face, shoulders and neck after showering and I am not sure if this is related to the copper in our water. The dr that did this test thought I had adrenal fatigue. I always have had low-ish blood pressure and cholerstrol, my insulin levels have been a bit up and down but my blood sugars have been fine. I had slighted elevated liver test and I also had an elevated IgG4 test. I have hyperplastic polyps in my stomach. All of these I have been told is fine and I just need to get over things .

I have had one dr prescribe me natural progesterone to help if I am estragon dominant and he said this will help with the free testosterone that effects hair follicles even though my tests haven't really shown much.

I wanted to know your opinion on the matter, also is it better to have low SHBG levels in women so the hair does'n't fall out or is it better for the SHBG levels to be high so there is not as much free testosterone? If the SHBG levels have to be in high range to keep hair on the scalp what can you do to increase the SHBG levels and what is considered low?

Also the halo's around hair follicles how quickly do they appear in womens hair loss, do they take time to appear as I am assuming womens hair in female baldness does not all fall out all at one time and it takes a years to progress?

This whole matter has affected everything I do in life, I have quit my job, I don't leave the house and I don't really speak to anyone as I just don't feel like myself and have lost all confidence that I did have as a 40 year old self employed person.

The hair continues to fall out each day, this part is heart breaking.

Stress wise I would so I felt like I was on the edge between Nov 13 and Feb 14. I had lost my libido and also felt like I did not have the patience for anything. I was working extremely long hours including the weekends and getting about 5 hours sleep a night before I go the vomiting.

The hair loss started as I mentioned with very swollen glands behind my right ear and a sore head and I had bad nausea, this was all after the vomiting I had for 6 hours.

I had an hair analysis was done end of May but no one gave me any advice on what to do , other than telling me I had adrenal fatigue. I also had high Calcium, Magnesium and iron these were the nutritional elements and my Cadmium and Aluminium were above the reference range. The test results are attached.

The ratio scale shows I have low ZN/CU ratio and Na/Mg ratio .

The test was done by InterClinical Laboratories.

After seeing 4 x dermatologists - 2 x saying no to female pattern hair loss - as they think it should have progressed over time and I don't really have any blood tests to show high androgens. I am also puzzled if DHT is the cause why don't they do a blood test for this.

1 x biopsy done that 2 x dermatologists think is incorrect ad they don't think female hair loss can happen as quick as mine and in the manner that is falling out and continues to fall out and how quickly it came on.

One dr thinks it due to the fact I have low blood volume and the fact I have not eaten well for a long time.

And now a naturopath thinks its the Copper thast the issue.

I am so tired and run down with the whole situation, I wake up each morning like I have not slept and I am pretty depressed about it all.

Honestly this has been the worst experience in my life , after so many years with dramas with our older son I thought this year was going to be the turning year for us. However it has left me overwhelmed, unsure of myself and at times suicide has even crossed my mind. I know that sounds terrible but I just don't feel like myself, always tired, funny symptoms with no answers and now hair loss (which is a big thing for a women).

I have never used birth control for a long period of time may be for 2 years around the age of 17. I had my first child at 17 and second one at the age of 25. I had my gall bladder removed before I was 25, tubes tired at 28. We used no birth control at all between the 8 year gap between our two boys as I just didn't fall pregnant actually i had a miscarriage in between.

I also had abnormal cells in my uterus when I was 17 that were burnt out.

Also since Nov 13 I would say I have been more constipated as before I didn't have that problem is was the other way around plus I feel cold more often.

I have had gut issues since 2008.

These are some of my recent blood test results- would you class these as normal for someone who is 41?

Done on the 11/11/14 -normal testosterone – mine was .9 (range is .3 to 1.7), free testosterone mines was 13.6 (range is 3-24), DHEA - mine was 3.5 (range 1.65-9.15), SHBG – mine 46 (range 32-128), Androstenedione mine was 4.9 (range 1.0 to 11.5).


Also I got some test results back would you say these are normal or a bit to low?

Completed - 11/11/14

Ferritin – 32
Iron – 13
Transferrin – 30
Transferrin Saturation – 22%

Theses tests from the 25/11/14.

ALT - 33 (range 5-30) - this has gone up again

Haemoglobin - 128 (range - 115-165) - this has fallen from my previous 3 tests

Platelets - 165 (range 150-400) - this has fallen from my previous tests

Glucose Fasting - 5.1

Iron - 13

Transferrin - 30

Saturation - 22%

Fettin - 37

TSH - 2.20

Free T 4 - 14

Free T3 - 4.6

CPR - 2

Cortisol am - 499

GH - .55 ( range .13 to 9.88) - previous 2 x times my GH test was .11 and .04

Cholesterol - 3.2

Triglyceride - .6

HDL Cholesterol - 1.1

Coronary Risk - 2.9

LDL Chol - 1.8

S - Insulin - 10

FSH - 2

LH - 3

Oestradiol - 655

LH/FSH Ratio - 1.5

Testosterone - 1.1

SHBG - 76

FAI - 1

Free Testosterone - 11.5


I am so confused and so tired of this and feel so embarrassed and ashamed, I would really love if you can share any advice on this situation as I don't know what else to do.


I am desperate for any advice, thanking you in advance.
Dec 10, 2014
 reply
by: Anonymous

Anon 12/7/14 - if you are interested - see if we can fill out a form and exchange emails - my case is very similar to yours and I can tell what I have done up to this point.
Jan 13, 2015
 Would love any advice
by: Anonymous

Hi

Just an update with my hair loss. It is still falling out more than ever. I have now cut it all off and look like a boy :( very sad. It is very thin overall. I had a urine iodine test which came back 454 and the range is 1000 to 1200. Does anyone have any information on iodine. I have had a Ultra sound this morning of my thyroid again so lets see what the results are. My ferritin has dropped to 18 and my liver ALT is double of the upper range. I have no idea what to do or think..any advice would be help. My email is samiejones1973@gmail.com feel free to email me - thank you
Feb 17, 2015
 Natural hairloss cure!
by: Anonymous

Please ladies, it's very simple. A few tweaks in your diet will stop all this madness! Stop taking all the supplements. Stop eating legumes, nuts and all their oils. No veg oils. (It's in everything!) Use saturated fats like coconut oil and real butter. Root veg are good. Raw carrots are excellent! Put powdered gelatin in your drinks. This will stop hair loss immediately! Egg yokes are excellent too. Not so much the whites though. All citrus fruit, especially orange juice. Drink a glass a day! Chicken liver is very good. All these natural foods will block excess estrogen and will help your body produce progesterone - naturally! Then to get your hair to grow back, try castor oil on the scalp, or caffeine shampoo. It really is that simple. I'd love to hear some positive feedback. I wish you all well.
Dec 02, 2015
 Hair Loss
by: Cindy

I have been exactly where you have been and believe me, I get it about not wanting to live this way any more. I went to many "ologists" over a 4 year period of total insanity and was told I was having the menopause from hell, etc., etc. Several elevated ANA's came back during that time and nothing was done about them until much later when I felt like I was at death's door. I was FINALLY diagnosed with lupus by the first rheumatologist that totally dismissed me at the very beginning. I suffered through SO much hair loss--Thank God, I had so much to start with. It would come out in strips in the shower and fall continuously all day and night. I hated to empty the vacuum because of all the hair. My hair also changed texture and believe me, it was NOT a good change! I was told at Hopkins to stop everything that would stimulate your immune system. I see you're taking green tea (depletes your iron stores) and curcumin (both immune stimulants) among others. They told me to do everything the opposite of what an AIDS patient would do so I researched everything and anything that would rev up immunity. I was also given spiro for high blood pressure in addition to plaquenil for lupus. After 3 months, the shedding was even more horrible. I stopped the spiro and am now taking another B.P. drug which is so much better. I really feel that the extra shedding was caused by the spiro. Since it has a black box warning, I am done with it. I am certainly not a medical professional, but your symptoms sound so similar to mine in the fact it may be something autoimmune. I blame my original symptoms at the beginning of this nightmare on a horrible drug that I was a given for a sinus infection called Cipro. Everything spiraled out of control right after stopping it. I would definitely try another doctor who will take a complete medical history with a very detailed blood panel and HOPEFULLY, you will get an accurate diagnosis. I don't wish anyone on earth my 4 years in hell. In the meantime, I would stop all immune stimulants. I found that taking extra vitamin d and a daily multi vitamin with 5mg of iron has helped. I also am using the Organix line of hair products which has really helped with the ugly fuzzies (I totally understand) especially the argan oil. A small amount of jojoba oil mixed in your shampoo is also worth a try. Before and after my diagnosis in 2011, I thoroughly researched wigs; but I am still trying every day not to cave and to work with what God has given me. I used to get so frustrated because I thought I did everything right-exercise, diet, vitamins, etc. and like you, am a relatively thin person. I know your post is 2 years old; but I thought I would answer just in case you are still searching which I really hope you aren't because I really do know how hard all of this has been for you. Good luck and God bless!!
Nov 26, 2020
 Losing my mind!!!!
by: Dee

Sudden weight loss and muscle loss and hair loss. Highly stressed. Was freaking out. PCP very nonchalant. Said stress anxiety age and menopause. Wrote me 2 different types of hormone medications. Estrogen. Progesterone.

At the time my scalp was also itching and eventually felt like my scalp was on fire. This was prior to taking the meds. And the meds didnt help. Went to a dermatologist. Said telogen effluvium. And seborherric dermatitis. Said probably stress and could be menopause. Didnt even touch scalp and gave me antifungal shampoo and steroid rinse. Didnt really help and didnt like taking steroid. Went to Gyn. She just said stress and getting older. Also wrote a hormone prescription. Different combo than my PCP. Spoke to pharmacist about the 2 doctors' meds and was questioning what they prescribed so I now have an appointment with an endocrinologist.

In the meantime my hair is still falling out and my scalp is oily and still itchy. Dont know at this point what the exact trigger is so I have been a train wreck. Googled supplements, essential oils, hair products, diet etc. I stumbled upon borage oil and I have been on it for 4 4 days and my scalp is less inflamed and itchy. Its the Nature Bounty Fish Oil Borage Oil and Flaxseed. Has primrose and some other oil in it.

I am pissed that doctors don't know enough about this and they just laugh at you and throw medicine at you. I hope the endo is helpful and into homeopathic options. There is so much out there. DHT blockers, supplements etc. I think alot can be helpful for these conditions but you just dont know what all to take with what. So it costs a fortune with trial and error. And doctors are a waste of time and money. I wish I could afford a functional med doc. To see where the root of the problem is.

I read about minoxicil and spirolactone for hair loss. But I am reading that if you stop you shed more. It has all been so traumatic that I have decided to leave my career. Work some side jobs for a year. And see what happens. Since the stress possibility is from my job. There has to be more research done on hormone options. All my blood work says I am fine but I am almost bald and have zero energy. I am so over it. And I feel your pain.
Jul 27, 2021
 Jess any updates?
by: Becky

Hi Jess,

Just wanted to know if you were able to successfully get off spiro? I'm currently having the same issues.
Nov 01, 2021
 Updates?
by: Anonymous

I’ve read this whole thread and I really want to know what happened to Jess??? Did the progesterone work help?

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